Google just updated Gmail for iOS
Gmail for iOS is getting a big revamp today in what Google calls “the biggest overhaul of the app in nearly four years.” While it’s largely an aesthetic change, there are a few interesting new features to note.
First up, that new look: it’s a lot more like the Android app, with ample use of red for a more Material Design.
Feature-wise, the main addition is Undo Send, which means you now have a life-saver for those times you email the wrong person and notice immediately after.
While it’s nice to see Google updating one of their biggest apps on iOS and adding the option to undo send, I’ve noticed a handful of issues and features that appear to be either missing from the previous version of the app or from the Android version.
These include being able to toggle sender images on and off (currently always on) and, much more importantly, force images to display in emails. While you were prompted at the top of the incoming email in the previous version, that option is missing in the new Gmail app which has left me with empty or broken emails on more than one occasion. Another issue I’ve been having is being constantly routed through the “unread” inbox. I never use that. Just show me everything when I open the app, read or not.
This is a much needed step in the right direction for the Gmail app but it looks like it’ll be a while before it replaces a much more feature-rich and stable experience you’ll get from something like Spark for iPhone or even bring it back on par with the previous version in terms of reliability.
Reeder 3 available on iOS
First off, the update adds support for using Instapaper as a sync service. Instapaper joins services like Feedbin, Feedly, and Feed Wrangler as services supported by Reeder. The update also introduces a Safari View Controller, meaning that you no longer have to exit the Reeder app itself to view links. Instead, they will open directly within the app, making for a much more seamless experience.
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Various other interface tweaks have been made, as well. There are now font size options, unread and starred counts for smart folders, a new archive folder, font options for the article viewer, and more.
If you’re not using RSS, and specifically Reeder, already for your news consumption, you should be. The new update adds a handful of really great features to enhance the overall experience for any iOS device, not just the latest and greatest.
iOS 9 beta users can no longer review apps
This is a much needed change that will prevent developers from having their App Store ratings and reviews affected by beta-related problems that are out of their control.
Not that it applies anymore but it should go without saying that if you’re running pre-release software in any capacity you should expect bugs, don’t be surprised when something doesn’t work quite right with your favourite app, and certainly don’t go to the App Store and review said app based on that experience.
Google Hangouts for iOS gets a redesign
Frustrated with the Google Hangouts app on iOS from time to time? Us too. Mountain View updated the mobile software today with a refreshed UI and more. First, you’ll likely notice the new coat of Material Design paint that tidies things up a bit. Heck, even the dialer got a redesign.
Interesting to see the iOS version of the new Hangouts arrive ahead of Google’s own Android. Although, I’d argue the iOS version has lagged behind for a while now and needed a much larger refresh anyway.
Having played around with the update this afternoon, it’s a very welcome change and brings the experience together nicely when paired with the recently refreshed Hangouts Chrome app.
Google Calendar hits iOS
Do you prefer the iPhone, but would like to use Google’s calendar app to keep track of your life rather than Apple’s own? That’s finally an option. Google Calendar has launched for the iPhone, giving you the same schedule view, Gmail events and broad account support (including Exchange and iCloud) as your Android-toting buddies.
At long last, Google’s gorgeous Material Design-y calendar arrives on iPhone and should be an instant replacement for people who still use the stock iOS calendar.
While it’s not quite as rich in features as Sunrise, which includes a Notification Center widget (Google Calendar v2.0?), and a desktop version of the application for Mac, i’d argue it’s easily the best looking option on iPhone with buttery smooth performance, fun little graphics for the month headings, a neat little map displayed for location based events, and more.
My biggest issue? The truncated app title on my home screen, which i’m sure everyone else would argue is a small concern and the definition of a first world problem.
Even still, Google’s new calendar app is more than worth your time. It’ll sync with a variety of services, so you’re not just limited to those that Google provides, and you’ll still be able to check out Material Design in all it’s wonderfully colourful glory.
iOS 8 adoption: 72%, Android Lollipop: 1.6%
Though adoption of iOS 8 has been slower than iOS 7 adoption rates, Apple is still way ahead of Android. The latest version of Android (5.0, aka Lollipop), released in November, is currently only installed on 1.6 percent of Android devices.
I’m curious how much of the fracture in Android updates is caused by the fact that most people simply don’t care if they’re running the newest version or not. At 1.6%, it seems almost impossible that it’s caused by anything else. There are plenty of devices that have been updated to 5.0 with more coming each day.